New research shows most women receiving a mastectomy for breast cancer also have breast reconstruction. In 2007, 63% of patients received breast reconstruction, up from 46% in 1998. The new study shows women receiving radiation are less likely to get reconstruction; there are geographic variations for those undergoing the procedures; and more women are getting implants rather than using tissue from other parts of their bodies. Senior author Benjamin Smith, M.D., associate professor in Radiation Oncology, and author Steven Kronowitz, M.D., professor in Plastic Surgery, both at MD Anderson Cancer Center, discuss their findings.

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Title: Breast reconstruction rates rising after mastectomy - CNLSummary: New research shows most women receiving a mastectomy for breast cancer also have breast reconstruction. In 2007, 63% of patients received breast reconstruction, up from 46% in 1998. The new study shows women receiving radiation are less likely to get reconstruction; there are geographic variations for those undergoing the procedures; and more women are getting implants rather than using tissue from other parts of their bodies. Senior author Benjamin Smith, M.D., associate professor in Radiation Oncology, and author Steven Kronowitz, M.D., professor in Plastic Surgery, both at MD Anderson Cancer Center, discuss their findings.Keywords: cnl, cancer newsline, breast reconstruction, mastectomy, breast cancer, breast surgery, radiation, breast implant, IntegratedMedia, Integrated MediaTranscript: